Passport to Pittsburgh and Bethel Park Lifespan presents:
TARA and More: A Holiday Adventure
Monday, December 1, 2025
8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
$130 pp
 
8:30 a.m.: Depart Bethel Community Center, 5151 Park Ave., Bethel Park, Pa 15102.
 
10 a.m.: Arrive at the Wendell August Forge Flagship Store and Factory. Tour this classic “Made in America” Forge that was founded in 1923 by coal miner Wendell August. Visit their museum to learn about the history of this business, which has withstood the test of time and fire. Try your hand at hammering a metal design to take home and shop for that special, hand-crafted, unique Christmas gift in their beautiful showroom. 
 
11:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m.: Arrive at Tara Country Inn. This antebellum-inspired hotel with a grand, columned entrance offers “Southern Hospitality“ with “Gone With The Wind”-themed rooms and memorabilia. Enjoy the beauty and feel of the old South on our guided tour of this beautiful hotel followed by a wonderful multi-course family-style lunch.
 
2 p.m.: The Avenue of Flags. This breathtaking site is a reminder “that freedom isn’t free.” Located in Hillcrest Memorial Park, this Flag display honors American Veterans who lost their lives to the War on Terror and pays tribute to the American hostages in the Iranian Hostage Crisis of 1979. Created by Tom Flynn, the “444 Flags” mark time for the 52 hostages held from November 4, 1979, to January 20, 1980. One flag was raised every day that Americans were held hostage. We will take a driving tour of this moving tribute.
 
2:30 p.m.: Arrive at Kraynak’s Flower Boutique and Greenhouses. Established in 1949, this family-owned business in Hermitage, PA is home to a 300 ft. indoor starlit display called Santa’s Christmas land. Imagine a world of make-believe with twinkling lights, glittering trees, and a magical array of life-like characters. Each tree features a different theme that is enhanced by the scenery. After your stroll through Santa’s Christmas land, take time to shop at this amazing store. 
 
3:30 p.m.: Arrive at Daffin’s Candies. Since 1949, Daffin’s has been creating high-quality locally made chocolates and other delicious confections. Family-owned and operated, this one and only location sends chocolates all over the world. Make sure to visit the unique Daffin’s Chocolate Kingdom, a fantasyland of chocolate characters, including a 125-pound chocolate turtle and many other characters that delight all who enter. Take time to shop for some holiday treats and gifts.
 
4:30 p.m.: Depart for Pittsburgh, returning by 6 p.m., depending on traffic.